Determinants of plasma coenzyme Q10 in humans

In the present study, we assessed the strongest determinants of plasma coenzyme Q(10) (Q(10)) in 518 men and women (aged 15-70 years) with a stepwise multivariate regression model. Male gender (P < 0.001), serum cholesterol (P < 0.001), serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (P < 0.001), serum triglyclerides (P < 0.001), age (P = 0.017) and 4-day alcohol consumption (P = 0.03) were the most important factors which were directly associated with plasma Q(10). The intensity of conditioning exercise (P = 0.03) and use of statins (P < 0.05) showed an inverse association with plasma Q(10). None of the assessed nutrients increased plasma Q(10) levels significantly. Our results suggest that many confounding factors, in addition to serum cholesterol and triglycerides, should be taken into account when the role of plasma Q(10) is examined in epidemiological research. (C) 1999 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.